Credit checks should only be conducted after someone becomes the preferred candidate for a tenancy - not in the early stage of the application process, according to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

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Breaking fixed term lease“I am enquiring about breaking a fixed term contract due to martial separation. My partner and I have a rental property. We have a tenant that has a fixed term lease until half way through next year. However, due to our unexpected split, we are looking to sell up and my partner will move into the rental as his new home....”Our expert Jennifer Sykes responds »

Rent or sell in quiet market?“I am thinking of renting out my property so that I can keep my child in the current school zone. However, the rent difference is not in my favour and I will have to top up my mortgage and possibly pay rent at a higher weekly rate. In a single income household just managing the mortgage (principal and interest repayment),...”Our expert Kris Pedersen responds »

Exit inspection dispute“Our landlord is alleging carpet damage (dogs) that requires complete replacement and meth contamination. Our dogs were caged every night to prevent this and, during our tenancy, the carpets were professionally cleaned twice. We asked to do a joint exit inspection to avoid this kind of rubbish but our landlord fobbed us...”Our expert Bernard Parker responds »